James T. Cochran

James T. Cochran, 71, of Zanesfield, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday morning, Dec. 26, 2013, at Mary Rutan Hospital.

He was born in Hicksville on Aug. 15, 1942, to the late Thomas A. and Georgianna (Rhoades) Cochran.

Jim married the former Connie Winters on Aug. 14, 1965, in Van Wert and she survives in Zanesfield. He is also survived by a son Thomas James Cochran, grandson Gage Thomas (Kiersten Nichole) Cochran, all of Zanesfield; and brothers Robert A. (Susan) Cochran of Columbus and Timothy A. Cochran of Tarpon Springs, Fla.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Van Wert High School and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Defiance College and later graduated from Wright State University with his Master of Science in Education. He taught in the Benjamin Logan School systems for 32 years and also coached.

Jim was a part of the Zanesfield Council for 6 years, volunteered with the Zanesfield Fire Department and was the Mayor of Zanesfield for 24 years. Jim was a founding board member of the Logan Country EMA. He was an avid golfer and an active member of the Cherokee Hills Senior Golf League.

Jim dedicated his life to teaching others, golfing, spending time with his family and watching his beloved Buckeyes.

A celebration of life begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Goshen Friends Church, Zanesfield, with Pastor Fred Kensler presiding.

Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen Friends Church.

The staff of Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.